Confederation Cup & UEFA U21.

[David Beckham 23]

Some great soccer happening in the off season with these two tournaments.

USA getting spanked twice by Rossi and the Azzurri and then again by Brazil. back to the drawing board or maybe they've learned something about themselves to prepare for 2010.

After the Italians losing to Egypt the have a huge match on Sunday against Brazil. Almost a must win to continue.

Also great match by the England U21 to defeat Spain.

 

[lovelatinas]

I saw the Italy .vs. Egypt match. Pretty quiet in little Italy.

However in some Toronto bars "TFC! TFC! TFC!".

 

[ROGER O. THORNHILL]

A Good Dress Rehearsal

Group A has "La Furia Roja" and South Africa as being the only real contenders.

Group B has two powerhouses with Italy and Brazil. Egypt is a formidable presence ad can't really be 'Obama-ed', like some poor fly. They did defeat Italy 1 -0.

The Confederations Cup is always seen as a dress rehearsal to the World Cup and doesn't hold the same cache as El Mundial, EuroCup or even Copa Libertadores. However, when we get into the semi-finals and the final with Spain, Italy and Brazil all potentially playing each other, you'll see a lot more folks watching.

"La Furia Roja" will win on Saturday vs. South Africa and match Brazil's consecutive wins record. They'll take it all anyway as a warm up for next summer.

 

[Big Michael]

Some great soccer happening in the off season with these two tournaments.

USA getting spanked twice by Rossi and the Azzurri and then again by Brazil. back to the drawing board or maybe they've learned something about themselves to prepare for 2010.

After the Italians losing to Egypt the have a huge match on Sunday against Brazil. Almost a must win to continue.

Also great match by the England U21 to defeat Spain.

Been catching as much as I can of both competitions, I am not surprised by the U21 tourney because all the players are looking to impress, but the intensity of the confed has been great. The players are giving it their all even after a long season.

As for England, I can't understand why Pearce didn't start my Gunner boy Walcott against Spain. However he did bring on to liven things up. To be honest, I thought Spain was better until Walcott came on. Not to take anything away from England but to put things into perspective, the following players are eligible for Spain U21: Fabregas, Busquets, Pique, Ramos and David Silva. Pearce must be pretty desprate to have Walcott and Milner in his team, those two have nothing to prove at this level.

As for the Confed, does everyone find that buzzing sound, made by fans blowing those plastic horn (vavazulas?), as irritating as I do? If this is a dress rehearsal, can you imagine hearing that sound for a month during next year's WC? Yikes!!

 

[Sorega]

As for the Confed, does everyone find that buzzing sound, made by fans blowing those plastic horn (vavazulas?), as irritating as I do? If this is a dress rehearsal, can you imagine hearing that sound for a month during next year's WC? Yikes!!

I couldnt agree with you more about that buzzing sound as its atrocious. A month of that will be bad next year. I hope Italy can get in the semis to set up a nice semifinal between Spain and Italy. Spain really is the team to beat in the world right now. I am impressed with Egypt's play so far as they should of had a tie from that Brazil game and with their win over Italy.

The U21 is looking good too right now. Italy and England look like the teams to beat. Italy will need Balotelli back in top form if they are going to compete the rest of the way.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

I say 2-2 Final

Italy vs Brazil

 

[ROGER O. THORNHILL]

2 - 1 Final

Spain vs. Brazil

 

[Mr. Lucky]

okay so Italy lost 3-0.
I also can't believe Egypt lost 3-0 to USA.


Spain vs. USA
Brazil vs South Africa

 

[lovelatinas]

I see an upset in the makeing, USA over Spain.

 

[ROGER O. THORNHILL]

No

I see an upset in the makeing, USA over Spain.

Simply put: That's not going to happen.

Viva La Furia Roja!

 

[lovelatinas]

Let's face it. Spain was in an easy group, they really had no competition, so their due for a let down. Also, that group was designed to have the 3 weakest teams so South Africa could have chance to get in to the next round.

 

[David Beckham 23]

Question for Von.

How long will the Italian press stand behind Lippi even though they ripped apart Donadoni with the exact same team? I know this isn't a major tournament but if Italy doesn't perform well in 2010 will the press ask for Lippi's head like they did with Donadoni or does he get a pass because of 2006?

 

[Big Michael]

Other questions for Von,

Has Lippi gone too long with the old guard and has erred by not introducing enough new and younger players? Or perhaps the next generation is not good enough? Can they turn things around in time to be a force at the next WC?

From what I see, Zambrotta, Cannarvaro, Camaronesi, Grosso, Pirlo, Gattuso, and Toni have their best days behind them, any thoughts? Also, there has to be a few backs in Italy that are better than Dossena?

 

[David Beckham 23]

I definitly think Toni is a flash in the pan and had one outstanding season and Italy could do better with starting Gilardino and maybe Rossi.

Would love to see Balotelli and Rossi playing up front in the WC.

 

[ROGER O. THORNHILL]

One Left At the End

Let's face it. Spain was in an easy group, they really had no competition, so their due for a let down. Also, that group was designed to have the 3 weakest teams so South Africa could have chance to get in to the next round.

That's absolutely correct! Making sure South Africa advances creates word of mouth and publicity ahead of next summer's "Mundial".

All that matters is the last two teams left and who the winner of THAT game is.

 

[Barca]

What a night last night!

Especially the Brazil/Italy game. I loved watching Italy fall apart.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

2:30 EST

Spain vs. USA

Lets go Spain!

South Africa wont stand a chance with Brazil!
unless they paid Brazil lots of $$$ to win since they will host next year!

 

[pdson2]

Wow USA 2 Spain 0

What an upset!!!!!

 

[Big Michael]

I see an upset in the makeing, USA over Spain.

Great call, I didn't see that coming at all.

 

[Big Michael]

Simply put: That's not going to happen.

Viva La Furia Roja!

HEHEHEHEHEHE